Poets’ Corner

Overview

Poets' Corner is a profoundly significant and hallowed section within the South Transept of Westminster Abbey in London, United Kingdom. It serves as a national memorial to Britain's rich literary heritage, commemorating over 100 poets, playwrights, and writers through graves, memorials, busts, and inscribed floorstones. This revered space has evolved into a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts from across the globe, offering a tangible connection to the luminaries who shaped English language and thought.

History & Cultural Background

The tradition of Poets' Corner began somewhat serendipitously. The first individual to be interred here in 1400 was Geoffrey Chaucer, the celebrated author of 'The Canterbury Tales'. However, his initial burial in the Abbey was not primarily due to his literary prowess, but rather his position as Clerk of the King's Works. His remains were later transferred to a dedicated monument erected in 1556 by Nicholas Brigham.

The establishment of Poets' Corner as a literary shrine truly began with the burial of Edmund Spenser, author of 'The Faerie Queene', near Chaucer's tomb in 1599. Spenser reportedly admired Chaucer's monument and wished to be laid to rest nearby, effectively initiating the tradition of honoring esteemed writers in this section of the Abbey. Over the centuries, this practice flourished, and by the 1730s, the area had formally become known as 'Poets' Corner'. The responsibility for deciding who receives a place in this distinguished company rests with the Dean of Westminster, who consults widely before making such a significant determination.

What Makes It Special

What makes Poets' Corner truly special is its unparalleled collection of literary giants, gathered together in one sacred space. It is a unique 'map of English letters drawn in stone', where visitors can walk amongst the tributes to figures like William Shakespeare (commemorated with a monument, though buried elsewhere), Charles Dickens, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, Jane Austen, and the Brontë sisters. The memorials themselves are diverse, ranging from elaborate stone monuments and busts to simple inscribed floorstones, each telling a part of the story of British literature.

The area is not solely dedicated to poets; it encompasses playwrights, novelists, and critics, reflecting a broader celebration of significant contributions to British culture. This concentration of talent makes it a profoundly moving location, inviting reflection on the enduring power of words and the legacies of those who crafted them. It's a place where history feels alive, where one can almost hear the echoes of verses and prose that have shaped generations.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• Chaucer's Original Burial: As mentioned, Geoffrey Chaucer was buried in Westminster Abbey in 1400 not initially for his poetry, but because of his role as Clerk of the King's Works, a practical reason that ironically started a profound literary tradition.
• Ben Jonson's Upright Burial: The contemporary of Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, is famously said to be buried standing upright in the Abbey. This unconventional burial was reportedly a way to save on the cost of a burial plot, as land was a precious commodity even in death.
• Thomas Hardy's Divided Burial: The novelist and poet Thomas Hardy presents a curious case. While his ashes are interred in Poets' Corner, his heart was buried separately in his beloved Dorset, fulfilling his wish to remain connected to the landscape that inspired much of his work.
• Lord Byron's Delayed Recognition: Despite his immense poetic talent, Lord Byron's scandalous lifestyle meant he was not memorialized in Poets' Corner until 1969, over a century after his death in 1824. The Dean of Westminster at the time of his death deemed his 'questionable morality' unsuitable for the Abbey.
• Beyond Writers: While predominantly a literary shrine, Poets' Corner also houses memorials and burials for other notable figures who contributed to British arts and sciences, including the composer George Frideric Handel, the mathematician Isaac Barrow, and actor Laurence Olivier.

Visitor Perspective

Poets' Corner is an integral part of the Westminster Abbey visitor experience. There is no separate ticket required to access it; entry is included with general admission to the Abbey. As it is located within a working church, visitors are expected to maintain respectful behavior. Photography is generally not permitted anywhere inside Westminster Abbey, including Poets' Corner, to preserve the sanctity of the space and prevent disruption. The sheer density of memorials can be overwhelming, so some visitors find it helpful to have a list of specific individuals they wish to locate. Stepping back to take in the alignments and the light filtering through nearby windows can enhance the appreciation of this remarkable literary landscape.